Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Josh, you and Loren are partners once again. Please continue to watch over us and keep us safe. I love you and miss you every single day.

Melody A Zuhoski
Aunt of Deputy Joshua T. Rutherford

May 22, 2010

This is the Dedication speech that I wrote when the city of Harlem dedicated a play ground in memory of Josh. I hope you all enjoy this. gudercop

JOSH RUTHERFORD DEDICATION:

I first met Josh Rutherford in 2000 at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy. He was one of our Defensive Tactics Instructors. My first impression of Josh was that he was arrogant, a smart aleck and liked to give people (me) guff. I did not care for him at this time. But that changed.

Josh and I both went to Defensive Tactics Instructors School at the Academy and I got to know him. I found that we had the same ideals on Law Enforcement and family. I came to respect Josh for his professionalism and strength of character both in his career and his family life towards his sons. From that point on we would keep in contact with each other via telephone and our meetings at the County line to visit and share information.

Josh and I along with Brien Galt, Jeff Kraft, Travis Breuyer, and lead instructor Howard Webb would meet at the academy and instruct the students in Defensive Tactics and Officer Survival. Josh and I also taught the Fort Belknap Tribal Police in Defensive Tactics and Use of Force. My wife would laugh at me as I would call and try and setup times that all of us instructors could be at the academy at the same time. This was our time to help new students and to catch up on each others lives. We were a strong core group of instructors that fed off of each other and made each other better.

If things were getting to tense it could be assured that Josh would make some remark to make everyone laugh. Josh would be right in there with his wit and sense of humor. Josh would be the first to laugh at himself or others, especially me. I remember one time Josh was telling us that he was going to Great Falls to buy a big screen TV. The next day I asked him if he got the TV. He got a funny look on his face and told me that he bought the TV and placed it in his truck. The people at the store told him that it should ride there just fine and he did not need to tie it down. He was driving from Great Falls and a gust of wind caught the TV and blew it out of his truck and shattered it on the highway. The look on Josh’s face was priceless. He did get the TV replaced and his home owners covered it for him.

Josh and I shared a room the last time we taught together at the academy. He told me about his boys and how proud he was of them. We also talked about Officer Safety and remembering to always wear our vests. Josh told me that he always wore his and would continue to do so.

The night I got the call about Josh being shot, I was at the academy instructing Defensive Tactics. Josh was to come to Helena the following week to help teach the class. I along with the other instructors could not wait for Josh to get there as this was a great bunch of students and were fun to teach.

I got the call around 0300 Hours, my department and wife had been trying to reach me for several hours. Once I talked to my wife and she told me Josh had been shot I could not believe it. NOT JOSH!! Josh was and is one of the smartest and toughest cops I had ever met. There was no way he could have been killed.

I remember sitting on the steps to the gym where we had taught Defensive Tactics in shock that not only a fellow Law Enforcement Officer and Instructor had been murdered but a good friend as well. I could not believe that I would never hear his laugh or see that smirk on his face ever again.

Josh was gone, but his legacy lives on. His boys are growing big and strong and look and act like their father. Josh’s legacy also lives on in the Law Enforcement field as well. There is an award at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy for the Student that has the best proficiency in Defensive Tactics.

The greatest acknowledgement to Josh is this. We were instructing at the Academy and we told the students that when they get into an altercation and they were hurt or shot that they could never stop and never quit. If they wanted to stop or quit they would have to call Josh or I and ask for permission and we would never give it to them.

One of our students had got into a gun fight in Western Montana and was wounded. I called this Officer up and spoke to him and told him that he did well by fighting and surviving the altercation. Bernie told me, “when I got shot it hurt so damn bad that I wanted to curl up into a ball and cry”. But I remembered what Josh and you said about calling for permission to stop and I knew you guys would not let me. I continued to fight and got the bad guy to back off. I have Josh and you to thank for me coming out of this alive. What better testament or legacy than this. A fellow Officer lives because of the training and experience that Josh had and that he willingly shared with others.

Josh, the State of Montana owes you a thank you for the Officers that you helped mould and for giving the ultimate sacrifice, your life so others could live. I owe you thanks for being my friend, mentor and helping me to become the Officer that I am today.

Alan “Pops” Guderjahn

Deputy Alan L. Guderjahn
Phillips County Shefiff's Office

February 5, 2010

HELLO JOSH
I MISS YOU EVERYDAY.. I THINK ABOUT EVERY MINUTE
OF THE DAY
I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH JODY

Anonymous

January 26, 2010

Josh, the time has flown by these past 6 years. I read that Jackson got his appeal denied. This is a God send to both your family and all of Law Enforcement. With him being locked up for life we can all breathe a little easier. You are a HERO and are sorely missed by all of us. My son is now a Deputy Sheriff in Chouteu County and I am proud of him. I hope and pray that he takes care each and every day to be a great Officer. I have told him your story since it happened and he will not forget the lesson that we all got that day. Remember to say I love you to your loved ones each and every day and before each shift. None of us know when our time will come. Saying I love you to your loved ones is the last and only thing they will have of you once you are gone. You and I used to talk about this and I know that you told your loved ones this that night you left us. Josh be proud of the men your sons are becoming they are strong and good. Always your friend Alan.

Deputy Alan L. Guderjahn
Phillips County

January 2, 2010

Josh, we were in Helena on Christmas and went to the memorial at the Capital. Auntie Mel had a tough time when she cleaned your name. Not a day goes by that she does not think of you. Watch over us and protect all. You are a special angel and will be in our thoughts and prayers forever!!!!

Mike Zuhoski
Retired LPD Sergeant

January 1, 2010

Josh guess I'm feeling sentimental. I don't look here much i hate to think about your loss. I keep up with very few of the old group. I miss you and hope your watching out for us still here. Keep guiding us to do what needs to be done. God bless you and your family.

Anonymous

January 1, 2010

Well Joshman another holiday has come and gone and it was a white one. Soon it will be the beginning of a New Year. I wished I knew how time flies by so fast. Still missing you and thinking of you. You are still dearly missed

DC

Anonymous

December 27, 2009

Josh,

Yvonne was here this afternoon. She said that Montana Supreme Court upheld Jackass's conviction. He will never see the light of a free day. Just wish I could see your smile.

Love and miss you
Mom

Anonymous

December 16, 2009

Miss you more today than yesterday. Please help me through the holidays. Lot of deaths here on the reservation, please keep those families in your prayers. Love you, Mom

Anonymous

December 13, 2009

Son,

Today is your 35th birthday and I am so grateful for the time you spent here. I think of all the happy memories that you have left and I am grateful for the years that the Creator blessed me with you. I miss you ever so much. I am angry about all that I have lost but I am so grateful for Harley. Her smiles bring me so much happiness.

I am one day closer to you
Mom

Anonymous

August 16, 2009

Truly hard to beleive it's been six years. Happened upon some old photos the other day. It was the halloween party at the Townhouse Inn. You were the clown... What a hoot! We had SO much fun! Sure miss ya.

A friend
Havre, mT

August 13, 2009

Josh was a very good friend to me...we were on several coroner calls together..investigating the scene, etc. but shortly before his untimely death..i was in a remote area..south blaine county and was in a dangerous situation of spousal abuse..Josh called me every few miles out to where i was to make sure i was ok..i had locked myself in my house for protection..he drove out there at a high rate of speed and got there fast..he came to the door and escorted me out to his sheriff's vehicle and held my hand while i regained my composure..and then without asking..he loaded up all my daughter's belongings..she was just a baby at the time...into my vehicle..followed me all the way back to town and then told me how to file a complaint, get a restraing order..etc..i remember feeling embarrased at the time because it was hard to have to call for assistance to the same agency i work for and expose my abuse by my spouse..i thought that maybe Josh would see me as a victim and feel sorry for me..or think i was incompetent to do my job and to work with him...and somehow he sensed how i was feeling...and he gave me a hug and reassured me that i was a smart, competent woman who happened to be in a bad situation and he was glad he was the one to respond and that he was looking forward to working with me again....i think of him from time to time and sure miss him!

Camia Edwards
Blaine County Deputy Coroner

August 11, 2009

Hello Josh you have really been on my mind lately.
And your granddaughter is a very beautiful young lady
love jody

Anonymous

August 6, 2009

Son,

I miss you so much. Its a month till your birthday. I remember what happened on this day in 1974.

Love, Mom

Anonymous

July 17, 2009

Six years and I did not think that it was possible to live without seeing the smile on your face. Then Harley arrived and brought with her your grin. When her eyes light up I know that you will never leave us. Thanks for the blessings.

Jody came home for my graduation and for your gram's memorial. Harley has two teeth and Jody was feeding her cookies. I reminded her of your first two teeth and how she found them sneaking you chocolate chip cookies. It was one of the moments that I know you were here.

We went and cleaned your spot today. To me it is sacred. I miss you. I love you and I am one day closer to you.
Mom

Anonymous

May 30, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the sixth anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

To Josh's Mom: I share your anquish in losing a beloved son, and understand the meaning of a life forever altered. I read all of Josh's reflections today, and now have tears streaming down my face. Losing a child surely has to be life's greatest sorrow. In looking at your reflections, so many of your feelings seem identical to mine. I am holding you in my heart's embrace today.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

May 29, 2009

My grandson, I can't believe that it has been 6 yrs. since we lost you. Time flies so fast anymore.You are a grandfather and your dad is a great grandfather and I am a great great grandmother. Your brother Lewis and his wife Tara have identical twin girls. You would have truly enjoyed being with all of them. We all love you and remember you with great pride. Keep watching over us.

Love,
Your grandmother Ruby

Ruby Rasor
Grandmother

May 29, 2009

Well our oldest son graduated from High School and graduated as Valedictorian. He made all of us so proud with his great accomplishment. He did a slide show and had great pictures with you and him. I know he misses you daily but missed you more during his graduation. It was an emotional time for me as well. I know you were smiling down on him as he gave his valedictorian speech and when he recieved his diploma. He is making plans to attend MSU-B this fall. I'm hoping that he looks into the basketball program and joins the team.
Joshua Teague is doing great in the 7th grade at Castlerock. He made honor roll all 3 quarters and looking at making it for the 4th quarter. He is a smart kid. He stepped up during Thomas' graduation and walked by his side. He can't believe how fast Thomas' Senior year went. They both are doing so great. They miss you dearly. Teague is officially taller than me and his voice is changing. He's growing up so fast. He likes being taller than me. He laughs about it. They have your sense of humor and your sillyness.
May 29th is fast approaching and it's unreal to think it's going to be 6 years you have been gone. You are missed each and everyday!
Watch over the boys! They are awesome miracles you left behind. I'll never forget you because of them.

Roberta

May 26, 2009

Josh, it is hard to believe that already it is going to be 6 years that you have been gone. Seems like yesterday when I got that awful call at 1 a.m. from Grandma Ruby telling me what happened. Six years or no, you are still thought of daily and still our "HERO". Always and Forever in our hearts.

Kerri
aunt

May 24, 2009

Josh, I thought about yesterday and I had to stop by this site and tell you. I had someone ask me about that tragic night and just got me thinking about you. You were an exceptional officer and I respected you very much. I remember you from high school and watching you progress in your career, I was quite proud to have you as a friend. When you came to Helena for instructing it was really good to see you and it felt really good to have someone from home there. All the trainings we went through together I recall fondly cuz we had so much fun. I know your family still misses you and always will, watch over them. You have touched so many lives in your time.

Avis M. Werk, MCS Enforcement Officer
friend

January 30, 2009

Josh, Here it is 2009 and not a day goes by that Auntie Mel does not think of you. We moved to Great Falls and Grandma Ruby is living with us. She has your picture PROUDLY on her nightstand in her room. We met Senator Tester the other day who advised he was honored to have known you. We are proud of all the things you did and know that you will always be our light and guidance as we continue on. Please look over your family as they bring in a new year and keep them safe. I am honored to be a part of your family and know you are a HERO in all of our eyes.

Mike Zuhoski

January 3, 2009

Well Joshman, Christmas will be here tomorrow already. We will def have a white one but I just wished the cold wind would go away for a while. Today is the warmest it has been for a snap. I will be thinking of you and missing you still.
Merry Christmas Joshman
DC

Anonymous

December 24, 2008

Josh, we recently lost one of our own here in Oregon. I was visiting Bill's page and saw that your aunt had visited. I wanted to visit you as well. I wanted to let you know that you are more than just a hero. You are everything that is good and decent in this world and will always be missed and honored by those of us you leave behind. I will always remember you.

Trooper M. Rockwell
Oregon State Police

December 23, 2008

Well Thanksgiving has come and gone. I know better then to eat so much because I am still feeling it today. I think I ate for 3 hours straight then of course slept for 9 hours because I was in no shape to move. LOL.
Was thinking of you and missing you
DC

Anonymous

November 28, 2008

I think about you every day I love and miss
I see your a grand-dad now mom is going to me pictures of he to in dec
love your sister jody

Anonymous

November 26, 2008